Unexpected Squall Leads to Tugboat Capsizing Near Galveston, According to NTSB Findings

Image credits: NTSB/X
A recent publication by the National Transportation Safety Board reveals that severe weather conditions where responsible for the capsizing and sinking of a towing vessel near Galveston, Texas, last year.

On May 13,2024,while maneuvering the barge MARMAC 27 with an 800-foot towline,the towing vessel Baylor J.Tregre faced unexpected severe weather. The vessel listed to one side before ultimately capsizing and sinking.

The four crew members managed to escape into a liferaft and were afterward rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard; fortunately, only one person suffered minor injuries during this incident. Thankfully, ther was no reported pollution from the wreckage, but damages to the Baylor J. Tregre were estimated at around $2 million.

according to reports from the mate on board,wind speeds increased dramatically as they traveled at a speed of 4 knots. Despite efforts to steer downwind in an attempt to mitigate risks posed by approaching storms, strong winds pushed the barge southward away from its intended path. This sudden shift caused tension on the towline attached to the tugboat’s stern which halted its forward movement and led it to heel over.

With no ability for crew members to alter their course or release their tow due to worsening conditions—waves reaching heights of 6-7 feet—the situation escalated quickly as water began flooding into critical areas of the vessel after waves shattered windows in the wheelhouse.

As they scrambled for safety through a door that wasn’t submerged yet—while another door was nearly underwater—the crew witnessed their vessel sink further until it disappeared beneath waves.

by May 15th, salvage operations commenced when crews cut loose any remaining connections between MARMAC 27 and what remained of Baylor J. Tregre before towing it safely back toward Freeport in Texas.During these operations, divers discovered Baylor J. Tregre lying upside down on ocean floor; though it was later successfully raised and transported back for repairs in Galveston.

For those interested in more details about this incident or similar maritime occurrences can find Marine examination Report 25-21 available online.